Houston, Texas — A former federal prosecutor in Texas is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say she fled the scene of a vehicle crash in Houston that left another driver shaken, injured and dealing with major damage to his car.
Jennifer Lowery, the former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas, has been charged with felony failure to stop and render aid following the May 14 collision, according to police and court documents.
Driver Describes Frightening Impact
The crash reportedly happened along Memorial Drive in Houston, where Gabriel Fonseca told investigators he was traveling eastbound in his Nissan Altima when another vehicle suddenly struck the driver’s side of his car.
According to court documents, the impact was severe enough to deploy airbags and leave Fonseca disoriented moments after the crash.
“Last second, didn’t have time to swerve, so I just laid down my horn and [she] smacked me right on the driver’s side,” Fonseca told a local news outlet. “After that, I just heard a really loud ringing in my ear, and there was dust everywhere.”
Fonseca said he attempted to move his vehicle to a safe location while trying to process what had happened.
“I remember pulling into the closest parking lot. Somehow, I called 911. I couldn’t open the door, so I crawled out,” he said.
Court documents reportedly noted that Fonseca complained about a persistent ringing in his ears following the crash.
Driver Allegedly Left Scene
Authorities allege that after the collision, the other driver failed to stop and drove away from the area instead of checking on the victim or waiting for police.
Fonseca later told reporters he was deeply disturbed by the alleged lack of concern shown after the crash.
“She didn’t even check to see if I was dead,” Fonseca said. “It’s a selfish and cowardly thing to do — to hit someone and run away without even being concerned.”
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The victim also told investigators that repairs or replacement costs for his damaged vehicle could total approximately $35,000, according to court filings.
Witness Helps Police Track Vehicle
A witness walking his dog near the scene reportedly played a key role in helping investigators identify the suspected vehicle involved in the crash.
According to police, the witness observed a woman driving a heavily damaged sedan shortly after the collision. He reportedly described the driver as a “white, blonde female” in her 30s or 40s and noticed that the vehicle had “substantial front end damage” and was “leaking fluids.”
The witness also directed officers to the location where the vehicle had allegedly been parked a few blocks away.
When police arrived at the address, they reportedly discovered a vehicle with significant front-end damage and a missing bumper parked in a driveway. Authorities said the license plate was registered to Lowery.
Husband Confirms Crash Involvement
As officers documented the damaged vehicle, Lowery’s husband reportedly came outside and identified himself as an attorney.
According to authorities, he confirmed that his wife had been involved in a crash. However, he allegedly informed officers that Lowery would not provide a statement at that time.
Police said he promised to provide the necessary information related to the investigation.
Former Prosecutor’s Career Under Spotlight
Lowery previously served as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas after being appointed by district judges in April 2022. She had also served in interim and acting roles beginning in February 2021 before her successor took over in December 2022.
The irony of the case was not lost on the alleged victim.
“It’s quite ironic,” Fonseca said. “Her career is holding people accountable.”
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